prodigy
noun
Did you know?
Is a prodigy a genius or a monster - or both? Nowadays, it's the talent that shines through, but back in the 15th century the word's meaning was more strongly influenced by that of its Latin ancestor, prodigium, meaning "omen" or "monster." Back then, a prodigy could be any strange or weird thing that might be an omen of things to come. Even in modern English, the word sometimes refers to an extraordinary deed or accomplishment. P.G. Wodehouse used that sense when he described how a character named Pongo Twistleton was "performing prodigies with the [billiard] cue."
Examples of prodigy in a Sentence
Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Vonn’s first career, the one that lasted until 2019, went the traditional route – a prodigy finds her skill set and sets off on a single-minded mission to realize her talent.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 3 Feb. 2026
The film follows washed up former tennis prodigy Dusty Boyd (Johnson), who has been reduced to coaching unruly children at his father Chuck’s (Harris) suburban country club.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2026
Bella Hadid's relationship with cowboy prodigy Adan Banuelos has quietly come to an end a little after two years of dating.
—Glamour, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prodigy
Cite this Entry
“Prodigy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prodigy. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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prodigy
noun
